How to process Skydio X10 RTK/PPK data

Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning enhances photogrammetric reconstruction accuracy by correcting GPS data in real-time, while Post-Processed Kinematics (PPK) refines this data after the flight using information logged by a nearby correction source.

After completing a Map Capture with Skydio X10 and the RTK/PPK attachment, processing your data is the next step to achieving high-accuracy mapping results. You must leverage third-party platforms, such as Trimble Business Center, DroneDeploy or Pix4D, to process both RTK and PPK data.

[note] Always refer to the support resources of your third-party platform for the latest usage guidelines [/note]

Retrieving scan images and RTK/PPK files

[note] While the RTK/PPK capability is in Beta, these files may not be accessible from the Scans tab on Skydio Cloud. [/note]

Scan images and files can be found on the Media card under Scans > [Scan Name]. Certain Photogrammetry or PPK Solutions may not be able to handle Thermal or RJPG Images. These images may need to be excluded from processing.

For detailed steps on retrieving data from the Media card, read How to transfer media from Skydio X10.

PPK Workflow: Geotag drone images

[note] This step is not required if you are processing RTK data and you have not lost the real-time connection between the base station and the drone in the field. [/note]

Before processing PPK data, you need to apply base station corrections to enhance positional accuracy.

A base station correction source provider is needed to process raw GNSS data from the drone. This step calculates precise corrections by comparing satellite data from the stationary base station with the data recorded during your scan.

Proper pre-processing ensures accurate and reliable results during mapping and analysis. Base station or correction service providers may offer their own PPK solutions:

• For detailed instructions on using Emlid Studio, refer to the Geotag Drone Photos in a Few Clicks section of their PPK article
• Not all PPK solutions, including Emlid Studio, will modify the image EXIF to reflect the updated accuracies. You may need to adjust the accuracy values in the photogrammetry software in a later step.

[note] If you plan to use Pix4D software to process your scan, do not use the Pix4D geolocation .csv files when pre-processing your PPK data. [/note]

 

[accordion heading="Processing data with DroneDeploy"]

The following steps were completed using DroneDeploy version 2.604.0. Please refer to the support materials from DroneDeploy for the latest updates.

RTK

DroneDeploy reads RTK information directly from the image metadata, so only the images are needed.

PPK

To process files in PPK, in addition to the images, you will need files containing the satellite data captured by the receiver on the drone and the camera’s pose information. In DroneDeploy, this information is provided in the .obs files and the .mrk file, located under Scans > Scan Name > PPK.

Processing in DroneDeploy

Step 1 - Log in 

Log in to your DroneDeploy account using a web browser. You can either use an existing Project or create a new one.

Step 2 - Upload scan photos

In the top toolbar of your Project, select Upload > New Upload > Choose Files to begin selecting the images to be processed.

If needed, change the upload type to Map and select Start Upload.

Ensure you include the .obs and .mrk files if you wish to use DroneDeploy’s PPK processing. A small target will appear, which indicates PPK processing will occur.

Detailed instructions, including how to merge plans, can be found on DroneDeploy’s website.

After the scan is processed, DroneDeploy will send an email notification. For guidance on reading the processing report, read DroneDeploy’s Map Processing Report Glossary.

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="Processing data with PIX4Dmapper"]

Please refer to the support materials from Pix4D for the latest updates.

For step-by-step instructions on how to process images using PIX4D software, please refer to the following articles:

• How to import/export the images geolocation and orientation - PIX4Dmapper
• Processing RGB Imagery from Skydio Drones with Pix4D Software

RTK

After completing a scan, a .csv file is generated in the Scan folder specifically for use with PIX4Dmapper:

• Pix4D_Mapper_geolocation.csv

To process your scan images in PIX4Dmapper, you will need to upload the following files:

• Scan images
• Pix4D_Mapper_geolocation.csv

PPK

[note] Do not use the .csv geolocation file when processing PPK data. [/note]

You must use the image EXIF data to retrieve the image geolocation information. In order to do this, ensure you have first pre-processed your PPK data using your base station correction source provider.

Not all PPK solutions will modify the image EXIF to reflect the updated accuracies. You may need to adjust the accuracy values:

• Select the first box in the Accuracy Horz [m], right click, and select Edit All
  
  • • We recommend entering a small value, such as 0.02 m
• Select the first box in the Accuracy Vert [m], right click, and select Edit All
  
  • • We recommend entering a small value, such as 0.05 m

[note]For step-by-step instructions on pre-processing your PPK data, refer to the support materials of your base station correction source provider. [/note]

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="Processing data with Trimble Business Center (TBC)"]

The following steps were completed using TBC version 2024.10. Please refer to the support materials from TBC for the latest updates.

RTK

To process your RTK scan data with TBC, you will need the following files:

• Scan images

Step 1 - Create a new project

Open TBC and select File > New. Choose your desired template from the checklist and select OK to begin.

Step 2 - Navigate to the Photogrammetry tab

In the top toolbar, select Coordinate System and configure the appropriate spatial settings.

[note] The default coordinate system is WGS84. [/note]

Step 3 - Import the scan images

In the same toolbar, select Import UAS Data and wait a moment for the menu to appear in the right sidebar.

Under UAS data folder path select “...” to select your folder.

• Sensor focal length and pixel size will auto-populate
• Relative height needs to be manually specified in the units chosen in Step 1
• TBC reads the geolocation data directly from the image metadata

Select Import. Wait a moment as your files load.

Step 4 - Configure the imported data

Once the images are imported, you will see a pop-up window called Receiver Raw Data Check In.

• This is where you can verify the information from your scan photos, such as the antenna and receiver

[note] Do not check Send to RTX-PP for the image dataset. [/note]

Select OK and wait a moment. Once the data is imported, the view will show the image positions prior to optimization.

Step 4 - Select Adjust Photo Stations

Select Adjust in the bottom right. Wait as this step processes, then select Apply Adjustment.

Step 5 - Import GCPs (optional)

In the top toolbar, select Import. Ensure the correct coordinates are selected:

• Configure your GCP settings in the pop-up window
• You can select a predetermined coordinate format, or define your own using Import Format Editor
• If you use the Import Format Editor, ensure you have included the following (for WGS84 or ITRF2014):
  • Point ID
  • Longitude (Global)
  • Latitude (Global)
  • Elevation

Ensure Coordinate Quality is set to Control. Select Import.

Step 6 - Select Adjust Photo Stations with GCPs

In the top toolbar (within the Photogrammetry tab) select the button Adjust Photo Stations with GCPs.

In the side panel, select the Absolute Adjustment tab:

1. Select the Point ID textbox
2. Choose the CGP point that you want to mark from the Project Explorer panel on the left
3. Select the plus (+) button to the right of the Point ID textbox
4. The image will load with the GCPs. Select one and mark the center of the GCP
5. Once it appears in the Point ID box on the right, select the drop-down menu under Status and set it to As Check

• • As Check - the point will be used as a CheckPoint
  • Enabled - the point will be used in the adjustment process

Step 7 - Select Apply Adjustments

In the center menu (under the Process View title) select Apply Adjustments to run the adjustments again with GCPs.

[note] Once this process completes, a pop-up will appear that allows you to optionally view the Adjustment Report. [/note]

PPK

To process your PPK scan data with TBC, you will need the following files, located in the same folder:

• Scan images
• .OBS files
• .NAV files

Step 1 - Gather your data

To process your PPK data with TBC, the scan images and the drone RINEX files (.OBS and .NAV) files must be in the same folder.

• The drone RINEX files can be found on the Media SD Card > Scans > Scan Name > PPK

Step 2 - Create a new project

Open TBC and select File > New. Choose your desired template from the checklist and select OK to begin.

Step 3 - Navigate to the Photogrammetry tab

In the top toolbar, select Coordinate System and configure the appropriate spatial settings.

[note] The default coordinate system is WGS84. [/note]

Step 4 - Import the scan images

In the same toolbar, select Import UAS Data and wait a moment for the menu to appear in the right sidebar.

Under UAS data folder path select “...” to select your folder.

• Sensor focal length and pixel size will auto-populate
• Relative height needs to be manually specified in the units chosen in Step 1
• TBC reads the geolocation data directly from the image metadata

Select Import. Wait a moment as your files load.

Step 5 - Configure the imported data

Once the images are imported, you will see a pop-up window called Receiver Raw Data Check In.

• This is where you can verify the information from your scan photos, such as the antenna and receiver

[note] Do not check Send to RTX-PP for the image dataset. [/note]

Select OK and wait a moment. Once the data is imported, the view will show the image positions prior to optimization.

Step 6 - Import base station data

There are two options for importing base station data for PPK usage:

1. Drag and drop the base station RINEX files (.OBS and .NAV)
2. Select Internet Download to select from a list of base stations that TBC has access to

                 a) Select the small paper icon and choose your base station 

                 b) Select New Site > Select from the predefined list and select your provider

                 c) Set your project timespan and wait as the base station files process

                 d) Select Import

                 e) Select Automatic

Once the images are imported, you will see a pop-up window called Receiver Raw Data Check In.

• This is where you can verify the information from your base station, such as the antenna and receiver

[note] We recommend using Send to RTX-PP to post-process the position of the base station. If you do not, you will have to manually set the quality for the base station coordinates to Survey Quality. [/note]

Internet download option

Step 7 - RTX-PP (optional)

If you selected Send to RTX-PP in the previous step, wait for the additional corrections to process.
.
Once it completes, select Import.

Step 8 - Select Process Baselines

In the top toolbar, select Process Baselines. A pop-up will appear which allows you to optionally review the results (select Report).

Select Save and wait a moment.

Step 9 - Select Adjust Photo Stations

Select Adjust in the bottom right. Wait as this step processes, then select Apply Adjustment.

Step 10 - Import GCPs (optional)

In the top toolbar, select Import. Ensure the correct coordinates are selected:

• Configure your GCP settings in the pop-up window
• You can select a predetermined coordinate format, or define your own using Import Format Editor
• If you use the Import Format Editor, ensure you have included the following (for WGS84 or ITRF2014):
  • • Point ID
    • Longitude (Global)
    • Latitude (Global)
    • Elevation

Ensure Coordinate Quality is set to Control. Select Import.

Step 11 - Select Adjust Photo Stations with GCPs

In the top toolbar (within the Photogrammetry tab) select the button Adjust Photo Stations with GCPs.

In the side panel, select the Absolute Adjustment tab:

1. Select the Point ID textbox
2. Choose the CGP point that you want to mark from the Project Explorer panel on the left
3. Select the plus (+) button to the right of the Point ID textbox
4. The image will load with the GCPs. Select one and mark the center of the GCP
5. Once it appears in the Point ID box on the right, select the drop-down menu under Status and set it to As Check

• • As Check - the point will be used as a CheckPoint
  • Enabled - the point will be used in the adjustment process

Step 12 - Select Apply Adjustments

In the center menu (under the Process View title) select Apply Adjustments to run the adjustments again with GCPs.

[note] Once this process completes, a pop-up will appear that allows you to optionally view the Adjustment Report. [/note]

[/accordion] 

Explore More

Getting Started with the X10 RTK/PPK attachment

Skydio X10 RTK/PPK attachment metadata overview

How to access 3D Scan data with Skydio X10

 

 

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